Method and apparatus for projecting pipes through ground



METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROJECTING PIPES THROUGH GROUND Filed Dec. 13, 1952 July 24, 1956 A. A. D'AUDIFFRET ETAL 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 no RN .m U W NFM E m m N NMR M E JD fT A. T. A. T PR LE 8 Do A B July 24, 1956 A. A. D'AUDIFFRET ETAL 2,755,020

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROJECTING PIPES THROUGH GROUND Filed Dec. 13, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG-4 y 1956 A. A. D'AUDIFFRET ETAL 2,756,020

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROJECTING PIPES THROUGH GROUND 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 13, 1952 Q ARM INVENTOR.

DOLPH A UDIFFRET OBERT REIMUND BYZ g Z ATTORNEYS ii x02,

Q L E United States Patent IVIETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROJECTING PIPES THROUGH GROUND Adolph Aloys dAudifi'ret and Robert E. Reimund, Columbus, Ohio, assignors to Ranney Method Water Supplies, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, a corporation of West Virginia Application December 13, 1952, Serial No. 325,832

Claims. (Cl. 255-13) This invention relates to a method and apparatus for projecting pipes through the ground, and particularly in connection with projecting imperforate pipes through the ground, although not limited thereto.

In the Silitch and DAudiffret application, Serial Number 767,150, filed August 7, 1947, now Patent No. 2,622,- 638 issued December 23, 1952, the DAudiffret and Reimund application, Serial Number 318,922, filed November 5, 1952, and both assigned to the same assignee as the instant application, there are disclosed methods 'of projecting perforate pipes through the ground for the construction of water collectors of the type in which a caisson is sunk into the ground and then radial collector pipes projected outwardly therefrom into a water bearing stratum and through which collector pipes water will flow by gravity into the caisson, whence it may be pumped to a point of use.

In many instances, and even in connection with water collectors of the type referred to, it is desired to project a solid pipe through the ground, and this sort of installation involves different problems and likewise different techniques than can be employed in connection with the perforated pipes illustrated in the above referred to copending applications.

In addition to water collectors, it may be desirable to push solid pipes through the ground during the installation of oil wells or to place a pipe in direct communication with a source of water, or a point of drainage for the pipe, or it may be advantageous to push a pipe from one point to another through the ground as, for example, under a highway or building.

In the pushing of such solid pipes through the ground, it will be apparent that it is not possible to remove earth from about the pipe in the same manner as is done with a perforated pipe, and, for this reason, it becomes necessary to remove earth from ahead of the pipe so that it does not impeded the progress of the pipe or deflect the pipe from the course along which it is to travel.

Having the foregoing in mind, the primary object of the present invention is the provision of a method and apparatus for projecting pipes, particularly imperforate pipes, through the ground so that excessive pressures are not required to force the pipe outwardly and so the pipe will follow a substantially true course.

A still further object is the provision of a method and apparatus for pushing pipes, particularly imperforate pipes, through the ground which will permit fairly rapid movement of the pipe.

A still further object is the provision of a method and apparatus for pushing imperforate pipes through the ground such that obstructions which may be encountered during movement of the pipe can be removed from the path of the pipe.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a method and apparatus for pushing imperforate pipes through the ground as from a caisson wall or the like, in which the pipe can be sealed so that if the pipe is in or passes through a water bearing stratum, there will be no water flow through the pipe except under selective control.

Still another object is the provision of a method and apparatus for pushing pipes through the ground which is operable for both perforated and imperforate pipes.

These and other objects and advantages will become m ore apparent upon reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a vertical sectional view taken through the wall of a caisson similar to those illustrated in the copending applications referred to above, and with an imperforate pipe being pushed outwardly through the caisson wall according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing a section of the pipe pushed outwardly through the caisson wall to the point where a flushing assembly can be mounted at the caisson end of the pipe for flushing out earth that has accumulated in the pipe and preparing the pipe for being pushed further outwardly;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing a preferred manner of providing the pipe with a cutting or boring head to facilitate its movement through the ground;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the flushing assembly of Figure 2 drawn at increased scale;

Figure 5 is a view showing the outer end of the pipe being pushed through the ground with a jet pipe pushed to the end thereof, whereby a jet of liquid under high pressure can be directed into the ground immediately ahead of the pipe to prepare the ground for further movement of the pipe; I

Figure 6 is a view showing the manner in which a ram can be introduced through the pipe for dislodging a rock or other obstruction which is impeding the progress of the pipe;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 6 showing a manner in which a rock or other obstruction of large size can be blasted out of the path of the pipe;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary View showing how a projectile could be arranged within the sand pipe or jet pipe to be driven therethrough by fluid pressure to strike against an obstruction that is in the path of the imperforate pipe;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view showing one manner in which a seal can be effected between the right end of the sand pipe and a jet pipe or other member reciprocably mounted therein; and

Figure 10 is a fragmentary view illustrating a perforated pipe provided with a boring head according to this invention.

Referring to the drawings somewhat more in detail, and particularly to Figures 1 and 2, the pipe to be projected through the ground 10 is indicated at 12. Pipe 12 is preferably made up of a plurality of individual sections, as will be seen in Figure 6, with the sections being welded together as they are pushed into the ground. The left end of section 12, as it is viewed in Figures 1 and 2, is provided with a boring head 14 which takes the form of a sleeve or collar inserted in the end of the pipe and welded thereto, as at 16. Boring head 14 preferably has its leading end formed to a relatively sharp edge 18, and the material from which the boring head is made is preferably an extremely tough alloy and may be hardened if desired.

In Figure 1 there is illustrated a concrete wall 20 which may be one wall of a caisson of the nature disclosed in the copending applications referred to above, and which includes a porthole 22 in which is secured by the grout 24 the sleeve 26 having a flange 28 at its outer end. Disposed within sleeve 26 is a rubber-like sealing sleeve 30 having a flanged end 32 adapted for connection with flange 28 of sleeve 26. Sleeve 30 is adapted for closely embracing pipe 12 and forms a seal thereabout.

It will be understood that while the drawings show pipe 12 being projected through a concrete wall, it may well be that the pipe will engage the ground directly, as, for example, when the pipe is to be pushed under a highway, or in some other location where it is not necessary for the concrete wall to exist.

The end of the pipe opposite the boring head is engaged by a hydraulic jack mechanism comprising a pusher member 34 having connected therewith the hydraulic motors 36 which have a solid hearing at 38. Pressure fluid may be supplied by pump 40 through a valve 42 to the hydraulic motors, and in this manner pipe 12 also is forced into the ground.

Inasmuch as pipe 12 is open at its leading end, it will, in effect, take a core from the ground as it moves therethrough, and it is desirable to provide means for periodically removing this core and flushing out the pipe, as Well as to provide means for preventing water from flowing outwardly through the pipe in case it should be located in a Water bearing stratum or pass through a water vein.

With this in mind, there is provided on the axis of pipe 12 the said pipe 44 which carries a packer consisting of a plurality of annular rubber-like sealing rings 46 that effect a seal between the inside of pipe 12 and sand pipe 44. A valve 48 on the inner end of said pipe 44 pro-. vides means for closing the inner end of the sand pipe and the pipe 12 and sand pipe 44 are thus completely sealed against fluid flow therethrough.

In projecting pipe 12 into the ground by the operation of hydraulic motors 36, the sand pipe 44 is either held in its Figure 1 position, or is drawn backwardly in pipe 12 after the said pipe has been projected the desired amount for the particular section at the right end thereof. Holding or moving the sand pipe can usually be accomplished manually, or there can be provided a small hydraulic motor device for this purpose if desired.

In accomplishing the flushing out of pipe 12, it is pushed into the ground until it occupies the position in which it is illustrated in Figure 2 relative to the flanged sleeve 26. With the pipe 12 in this position, and with the sand pipe 44 positioned so that the sealing collars 46 thereof are located within the pipe 12 the hydraulic jack mechanism is removed, and the flushing assembly, gen erally indicated by reference numeral 50, is bolted to flange 28, as by means of the bolts 52. It will be understood that the central hole in the pusher member would preferably be of a size to receive valve 48 of the sand pipe, but the sand pipe could be cutoff ahead of the valve, or the valve removed therefrom, to remove the hydraulic jack, to install the flushing assembly, or to put a new length of pipe 12 in place, any water spilling from the sand pipe could be removed by a pump if necessary. Flushing assembly 50 comprises a branch 54 somewhat larger in diameter than pipe 12 and coaxial therewith, so that it telescopes over the right end of pipe 12 when it is bolted in position on flange 28. The length of branch 54 is such that sand pipe 44 can be retracted rightwardly until the annular sealing rings 46 are removed completely from pipe 12 and are positioned instead at the extreme right-hand end of branch 54 rightwardly of the side branch 56 of the flushing assembly, whereby pipe 12 and side branch 56 are in direct fluid communication.

The right end of branch 54 of the flushing assembly includes a closure plate 58, and on the inside of closure plate 58 there is provided the sealing cup 60 so that no leakage of water will occur out of the right end of the flushing assembly.

Side branch 56 is provided with a manually operable valve 62, and this valve can be opened to permit water to flow through pipe 12 and side branch 56 into the caisson or to drain, and this is effective, when pipe 12 has its leading end positioned in a water bearing stratum 4 for flushing from the said pipe the core taken during its movement through the ground.

Should it be necessary for the purpose of removing the earth from within pipe 12 to supply flushing water through from an external source, this can be done by introducing a jet pipe 64 through sand pipe 44 and supplying Water thereto under pressure from a pump 66. The jet pipe 64 can be projected through sand pipe 44 into pipe 12, as indicated by the dot-dash lines in Figure 2, and the Water jetted into pipe 12 in this manner will flush the earth in pipe 12 backwardly therethrough and out side branch 56 of the flushing assembly.

In certain instances, it may be preferable to position sand pipe 44 so that the annular sealing rings on the end thereof are located near the outer end of pipe 12, and to employ the jet pipe 64 for supplying a jet beyond the leading end of the pipe for removing the ground from in front of the pipe or for agitating and softening the ground for the purpose of bringing about the shifting of an obstruction such as a rock that might be impeding the movement of the pipe. At this time the water in jet pipe 64 can either be carried backwardly through sand pipe 44 or can be permitted to remain in the ground. Further, should pipe 12 be located in a water bearing stratum or a place in the ground where the ground is extremely wet, the jet supplied by jet pipe 64 could be air, rather than water, or a mixture of air and water, and this will sumce in providing the agitation and movement of the ground desired.

With reference to the movement of annular sealing rings 46 back into pipe 12 after they have been retracted to their Figure 2 positions, it is to be noted, as will be seen in Figures 2 and 4, that branch 54 of the flushing assembly is provided with the annular member 68 located therein so as to abut the right end of pipe 12 and being shaped so as to form an inwardly tapering surface 70 which serves to compress and guide annular sealing rings 46 from branch 54 into pipe 12. In this manner the sand pipe 44 and the sealing rings 46 thereon can freely be moved into and out of pipe 12 as may be required.

As to the seal which is effected between sand pipe 44 and jet pipe 64 at the right end of the sand pipe, this may be accomplished in a number of different ways, and one example is illustrated in Figure 9, wherein a member 72 is secured to the right end of sand pipe 44 and the valve 48 for the sand pipe connected to the side of the said member, while a central aperture in the end wall of the member sealingly receives jet pipe 64 by means of a rubber-like sealing ring 74. By the structure illustrated in Figure 9, the jet pipe can be sealed and the sand pipe can either be sealed or opened, as may be required by particular circumstances.

In certain instances, it may be advantageous to physically dislodge an obstruction from the path of pipe 12, rather than to attempt to remove it by a jetting action, and this may readily be accomplished according to the present invention by positioning sand pipe 44 in the position in which it is illustrated in Figure 6, and then passing through the sand pipe 0. solid rod 76 which may be reciprocated, preferably under power, in order to strike and dislodge an obstruction, such as the rock 78 in front of pipe 12. The purpose of locating said pipe 44 in an advanced position in the Figure 6 arrangement is so that the rod 76 is supported and directed, and is thus rigid and effective for operating on the obstruction which it is desired to remove.

In Figure 8 there is illustrated another arrangement for physically dislodging an obstruction from in front of pipe 12, and this arrangement takes the form of a relatively small projectile 80 located within jet pipe 64 or sand pipe 44, and being adapted for being driven therethrough under fluid pressure, preferably water pressure. The striking of the projectile against the obstruction will be effective for removing many classes of obstructions either by actually moving the obstruction or by greases cracking or breaking the obstruction. In the Figure 8 arrangement, the projectile is advantageously. provided with a cable 82 so that it can be drawn backwardly after it has been driven against the obstruction. The necessary valve means to be employed for directing pressure fluid through the pipe to the projectile will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

In certain other instances, it will occur that the obstruction lying in the path of pipe 12 will be of such a magnitude that the removing thereof by a jetting action or by striking the obstruction with rod 76 or a projectile 80 will either require too great a length of time or will be impossible to accomplish. Under these circumstances, we have found that the use of an explosive charge is effective in somewhat the manner illustrated in Figure 7. In Figure 7 the obstruction to be removed is represented at 90, and an explosive charge for breaking the obstruction is indicated at 92. The explosive charge is preferably of the well-known directed type, so that its principal explosive force will be directed toward the obstruction.

In practice, when it has been established that an obstruction, such as at 90, exists ahead of the pipe 12, the sand pipe 44 or jet pipe 64 is availed of for locating the charge 92 against the face of obstruction 90, and after the charge is so located, the pipes 12 and the sand pipe and jet pipe, if the last-mentioned is employed, are retracted backwardly away from the obstruction 90 and the charge 92 is then detonated, preferably by electrical means through the wires 94. More charges can be employed if necessary, and in this manner an obstruction of substantially any size can be removed from ahead of pipe 12, thus to permit further movement thereof through the ground.

In normal operations, it will be found of advantage to flush out pipe 12 after each section thereof is pushed into the ground. In this manner, the pipe is retained open, will readily take a core from the ground, and can be moved through the ground with a minimum of effort and has the least tendency to wander or be deflected from its designated path. Additionally, by keeping pipe 12 open through frequent fiushings, it is more easy to determine the direction of travel of the pipe and to detect deviations and to make corrections in the direction of travel of the pipe, thereby preventing improper installations and possible damage to near-by installations of other types.

In connection with the encountering of obstructions during the pushing of pipe 12 through the ground, it will be appreciated that many times the obstruction will occur where the pipe 12 is projecting too far inwardly through the wall to permit bolting of the flushing assembly over the inner end of the pipe. Where the pipe is passing through a water bearing stratum, it is essential to mount the flushing assembly in order to prevent leakage of water through the pipe 12.

Accordingly, under the circumstances referred to above, the pipe 12 is cut off the proper distance inwardly from the concrete wall to permit the flushing assembly to be mounted thereon and then subseqeuntly, when pushing of the pipe is again commenced, a new section is welded to pipe 12 and operations continue.

The foregoing description has been concerned with an imperforate pipe, but it will be evident that perforated pipes of the nature illustrated in Figure 10 could also be pushed through the ground in accordance with this invention. As shown in Figure 10 pipe 95 is provided with perforations 97. In the perforated pipe of Figure 10, substantially the same work cycle would exist, except that the sand removing unit, as illustrated in the copending dAudiifret and Reimund application referred to above, could be utilized for removing said or fines from around the perforated pipe to prepare a porous bed for the flow of water therethrough, after the pipe had been projected to the desired limit.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modification in order to adapt it to different usages and conditions, and, accordingly, it is desired to comprehend such modifications within this invention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. The method of installing a pipe in an underground location which comprises; providing the leading end of the pipe with a cylindrical boring head, forcing the pipe endwise into the ground solely by pushing thereon, placing a seal within the pipe to prevent water from discharging from the trailing end thereof, supplying water through the seal to convert solid cores taken by the pipe to a fluid condition, and periodically removing the seal to permit the core taken by the pipe to flow from the trailing end thereof, and then restoring the seal into the pipe and continuing the pushing thereof.

2. The method of installing a pipe in an underground location which comprises; providing the leading end of the pipe with a cylindrical boring head, forcing the pipe endwise into the ground solely by pushing thereon and adding sections to the trailing end thereof as the pipe progresses through the ground, maintaining a seal within the pipe adjacent the trailing end thereof to prevent Water from flowing through the pipe, supplying water through the seal to convert solid cores taken by the pipe to a fluid state, and periodically retracting the seal from the pipe to permit the core taken by the pipe to flow therefrom at the trailing end, and reestablishing said seal and continuing the pushing of the pipe and the adding of sections thereto.

3. The method of installing a pipe in an underground location which comprises; pushing an open-ended section of the pipe endwise into the ground integrally connecting another section in axial alignment with the first section and continuing the pushing, providing a seal within the pipe to prevent water from flowing through the pipe and out the trailing end of the sections, and while maintaining the seal mechanically ramming obstructions out of the path of said pipe by ramming mechanism extending through said seal.

4. In a method of removing obstructions from the path of a pipe which is being pushed endwise through the ground which comprises; sealing the pipe which is being pushed from the flow of liquid from the ground toward the pushing end, advancing an auxiliary pipe through the seal and the pipe that is being pushed to a position adjacent the leading end of the latter pipe, providing ramming means through the auxiliary pipe, and ramming the obstruction to the point of dislodgment or breaking thereof by the means extending through said auxiliary pipe while maintaining the seal.

5. In a method of removing obstructions from the path of a pipe which is being bushed endwise through the ground which comprises; sealing the pipe which is being pushed from the flow of liquid from the ground toward the pushing end, advancing an auxiliary pipe through the seal and the pipe that is being pushed to a position adjacent the leading end of the latter pipe, providing a reciprocable rod through the auxiliary pipe, and reciprocably ramming the obstruction to the point of dislodgment or breaking thereof by the rod extending through said auxiliary pipe while maintaining the seal.

6. In combination; an outer pipe extending into the ground, an auxiliary pipe extending axially into said outer pipe and having resilient sealing rings thereon at one end sealing the space between the pipes, said auxiliary pipe being reciprocable in said outer pipe, and a conduit member adapted for being secured to the one end of the outer pipe and comprising a first branch coaxial with said outer pipe adapted for receiving said sealing rings when the auxiliary pipe is moved along the. axis of the outer pipe to bring the said one end of the auxiliary pipe into the conduit member, and a second branch opening from said first branch at a position therealong ahead of the 7 said sealing rings when the auxiliary pipe is moved to bring its said one end into said conduit member, said inner pipe being selectively reciprocable within said outer pipe and conduit member to locate the said sealing rings at any desired axial position therealong.

7. In combination; a main pipe projecting into the ground, an auxiliary pipe coaxial with said main pipe and extending reciprocably therein, sealing rings carried by the auxiliary pipe at one end sealing the space between the pipes, and a conduit member mounted on the end of the main pipe comprising a first branch coaxial with the main pipe having an outer end wall through which the auxiliary pipe sealingly and reciprocably extends, said first branch being adapted for receiving said sealing rings when the auxiliary pipe is moved to retract the said one end thereof into said conduit member, and a second branch opening from said first branch at a position which is ahead of the sealing rings when the auxiliary pipe is so retracted, said first branch comprising an internal annular abutment ring abutting the end of said main pipe, and said first branch and said main pipe being arranged to permit said sealing rings to move freely therebctween as said auxiliary pipe is reciprocated.

8. In combination; a main pipe projecting into the ground, an auxiliary pipe coaxial with said main pipe and extending reciprocally therein, sealing rings carried by one end of the auxiliary pipe sealing the space between the pipes, and a Y-shaped conduit member mounted on the end of the main pipe comprising a first branch caxial with the main pipe having an outer end wall through which the auxiliary pipe sealingly and reciprocably extends, said first branch being adapted for receiving said sealing rings when the auxiliary pipe is moved to retract the said one end thereof into said conduit member, and a second branch opening from said first branch at a position which is ahead of the sealing rings when the auxiliary pipe is so retracted, at least said first branch of the Y-shaped conduit member being larger in diameter than said main pipe so as to telescopically fit thereover and comprising an internal annular abutment ring to abut the end of said main pipe, said abutment ring tapering inwardly toward the main pipe for guiding said sealing rings back to the main pipe when the auxiliary pipe is again advanced.

9. In combination; a wall having a porthole therein, a

flanged sleeve mounted in the porthole, a main pipe extending sealingly through said sleeve and into the ground, and a Y-shaped conduit member comprising a first branch larger in diameter than said main pipe and having a flanged end adapted for being secured to the flanged end of the sleeve with the first branch coaxial with said main pipe, said first branch having its end wall opposite the flanged end thereof adapted for sealingly and reciprocably receiving an auxiliary pipe, an auxiliary pipe extending through the said end Wall and carrying sealing rings on one end adapted for sealing between the auxiliary pipe and main pipe, said conduit member comprising a second branch opening laterally from said first branch at a point therealong between the main pipe and the sealing rings when the auxiliary pipe is retracted to bring the said one end thereof into said first branch, and said main branch also comprising an internal annular abutment ring engaging the end of the main pipe and being tapered inwardly for guiding the sealing rings into the main pipe when the auxiliary pipe is advanced.

10. In combination; a wall having a porthole therein, a flanged sleeve mounted in the porthole, a main pipe extending sealingly through said sleeve and into the ground, and a Y-shaped conduit member comprising a first branch larger in diameter than said main pipe and having a flanged end adapted for being secured to the flanged end of the sleeve with the first branch coaxial with said main pipe, said first branch having its end wall opposite the flanged end thereof adapted for sealingly and reciprocably receiving an auxiliary pipe, an auxiliary pipe extending through the said end Wall and carrying sealing rings on one end adapted for sealing between the auxiliary pipe and main pipe, said conduit member comprising a second branch opening laterally from said first branch at a point therealong between the main pipe and the sealing rings when the auxiliary pipe is retracted to place its said one end inside the conduit member, and said first branch also comprising an internal annular abutment ring engaging the end of the main pipe and being tapered inwardly for guiding the sealing rings into the main pipe when the auxiliary pipe is advanced, said second branch and said auxiliary pipe being provided with valve means.

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